Label-free multiphoton microscopy of human skin: longitudinal studies capturing cell dynamics

Area of Science:

• Dermatological research
• Biomedical imaging
• Optical microscopy

Background:

• Current limitations in clinical skin imaging hinder detailed cellular analysis over large areas.
• Longitudinal tracking of cellular dynamics in human skin in vivo is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present advances in the Fast Large Area Multiphoton Exoscope (FLAME) for clinical skin imaging.
• To enable high-resolution, large-area, longitudinal imaging of skin in vivo.
• To facilitate detailed tracking of cellular dynamics and responses in dermatological research.

Main Methods:

• Development and application of the Fast Large Area Multiphoton Exoscope (FLAME).
• Utilizing dual-scanning modality for reliable, repeated imaging of the same skin locations.
• Employing fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy for in vivo cellular analysis.

Main Results:

• FLAME provides cellular-scale imaging over areas up to 1 cm².
• The device enables reliable, longitudinal tracking of cellular dynamics in human skin.
• Demonstrated in vivo tracking of cellular responses to injury.

Conclusions:

• FLAME overcomes limitations in large-area, high-resolution skin imaging.
• This advanced imaging platform significantly enhances dermatological research capabilities.
• FLAME offers new opportunities for monitoring therapy responses and understanding skin biology.